Underbool and District Community Plan
2014 - 2019
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Contents Proactively respond to the interest of our community
Page Introduction 3 Demographics 6 History 8 Community Involvement 10 Presentation 10 Risk Management 11 Strategy 11 Endorsement 11 Action Plan 13 Community Safety 14 Community Services 15 Community Development 16 Culture and Heritage 18 Environment 19 Economic Development 21 Partnerships 22 Appendix 24
This plan was produced as a result of the commitment of the members of the Underbool Progress Group after many months of community consultation and hours of hard work.
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Introduction This community plan was developed by the Underbool Progress Group Inc (UPG Inc) committee following consultation with the community during 2013 and 2014.
Underbool Welcome wall – Underbool Community Plan activity What the community thinks about Underbool!
Why live in
Underbool?
o People support one another
o Peaceful, clean, friendly, rural town
o Sense of belonging and safety
o Great community spirit
o Can walk to school, kinder and shop
o Sport and leisure opportunities 3
The biggest challenges:
o Distance from most services – e.g. medical, food supplies, entertainment
o Travel to access services and lack of public transport
o Ageing and declining population – less people to run local organisations, ‘burnout’
o Maintenance of infrastructure and local services
o Bushfire threat
o Limited facilities
o Costs of utilities, freight
o Lack of youth activities
o Limited career opportunities
View south from Underbool CFA shed, January 2014
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How do we maintain the lifestyle people enjoy in Underbool and how do we address the challenges?
Vision Statement To make this a connected, progressive and resilient community
Mission / Purpose Statement Maximise opportunities to ensure the sustainability and future of the Underbool district by working together.
Values Our community values include: Integrity, Inclusiveness, Transparency, Respect and Forward-thinking.
Objectives To maximise opportunities to ensure the sustainability and future development of the Underbool district and to ensure it continues to be a safe, supportive and active community.
Cooperation/partnerships with all levels of government, not-for-profit organisations, all local organisations and other bodies, are vital to achieve these objectives.
“In addition to enthusiasm, perseverance will help the vision become a reality”
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Demographics
First settled in early 1911, Underbool is a small, rural town in the Mallee region of north-west Victoria with a population of about 200 [ABS 2011census}. Underbool is in the Mildura Rural City Council local government area and is situated between Ouyen and Pinnaroo, S.A., on the Mallee Highway which is a main Adelaide to Sydney route.
Grain, beef cattle and sheep farming provide the major employment while other jobs are related to education, motor vehicle retailing, parks and gardens, agricultural product sales and community care. Over half those employed work more than 40 hours per week.
The average farm in Underbool is now about 5000 acres with most people living in the town and farm workers commuting to their properties. With advances in technology and changes in agricultural practice, less employment is available on farms. While young people leave town for higher education and career pursuits, and older people retire and often relocate out of the Underbool district for personal reasons, affordable housing is attracting some new residents. Nevertheless, the population has diminished and with that comes loss of businesses and services available in the town.
The 2011 census indicated 21.5% of the population in Underbool were aged under 20 years of age and 24.4% were aged 65 years and above. While there is an aging population, there are some young families as well.
95% of residents were born in Australia and the most common ancestries were Australian, English, Scottish, Irish and German. Other countries of birth were England, Ireland and New Zealand.
The average annual rainfall is about 310mm but this varies widely from year to year. During the drought year 1982, only 105mm rain was recorded. 2010 rainfall was high (av. 490mm across our district), and over the summer months of 2010-11 more than 265mm rain fell. Rainfall- when it comes and how much falls- is critical to the prosperity of the district.
Many days of pleasant 25-30°C warmth are enjoyed throughout the year and humidity is generally low, although temperatures can soar over 40°C in summer and winter nights can be cool and frosty.
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Underbool and surrounding areas present vistas of wide open spaces where agricultural industries, national parks, brilliant sky-scapes and country lifestyle can be enjoyed.
Note: the census details are quoted for the township of Underbool but are not available for the gazetted Underbool locality.
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This Community Plan includes Underbool and surrounding districts, including Linga, and is the home to a number of key assets. As such, the Community Plan aims to support the maintenance and improvement of assets including the following:
o Educational – Primary School o Early Learning Centre o Community Health Service o CFA o Police Station o Businesses o Sporting grounds and facilities o Grain receival site o Reservoir – Town Water Supply o National Parks o Landfill – Waste Management site o Linga Airbase o History/Heritage o Cemetery o Public parks and buildings
History
In August 1910, 92 blocks of around 600-700 acres each, were declared available in the Parishes of Nyang and Underbool followed by the completion of a survey and opening of blocks in the Parishes of Boinka, Wooroa, Daalko and Manpy a little later. With a settler and generally his family on each block, the population swelled.
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As the population increased, so did the need for services. Churches, schools and sporting clubs were established, stores commenced, postal health and banking services were begun. Public halls and other infrastructure were built.
Droughts and depression reduced viability and numbers lessened. Over the years, farms have been passed down to the next generation, but as families have left the area, farms have increased in size either through purchase, share farming or leasing arrangements. Usually, only one child in the family will continue on the farm, even though farms are larger. Modern machinery and improved practices require less manpower.
Even though crop yields have varied with cycles of drought and plenty, Underbool and district has continued to be a significant grain producing area making a considerable contribution to the economy both locally and to the State of Victoria.
Advances in technology have also affected other businesses with smaller branches being closed and businesses becoming more centralised in larger towns. This also contributes to lack of employment opportunities in small rural towns.
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With diminished population in the district, businesses and services have been lost in Underbool and former surrounding towns but Underbool continues to provide a range of services to the district via Rural Supplies, Primary School, Preschool/Childcare, Mechanical Garage, Post Office/General Store, Hotel, Grain Receival, Community Health Centre, CFA, Police, Churches, Swimming Pool (summer months), Parks Victoria, Sporting Facilities and DEPI Linga Air Base.
The community desires to maintain and improve facilities and the environment for all to enjoy.
Community Involvement
Underbool Progress Group Inc Committee worked with Mildura Rural City Council to gather information from our community.
MRCC Community Liaison Officer, Geoff Burr, addressed the UPG Inc Annual General Meeting in March 2014 and explained the community planning process.
Members of UPG Inc worked with Geoff Burr to compile an Underbool and District Community Survey 2014.
Community information sessions were held at the Underbool General Store and at a Walpeup / Underbool Football match, to explain the information collection process and to encourage residents to complete the survey.
The Underbool Community Survey 2014 was widely distributed to residents of Underbool and Linga. The forty responses were analysed then grouped under themes.
The draft plan was widely distributed to residents of Underbool and Linga for comment.
Presentation
The final copy of this Community Plan will be presented to Mildura Rural City Councillors at a council meeting. This presentation of the Community Plan will highlight to Council the key areas that are important to our community.
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Risk Management
Prior to undertaking any action outlined within the objectives of this Community Plan, appropriate risk management strategies will be undertaken by the groups or organisations responsible for the project.
Strategy
The Strategy in this Community Plan outlines the community’s long term goals, vision, values, aspirations and priorities for the next five years.
The ability to realise these goals may be impacted adversely by lack of resources or changing circumstances within the community. Availability of volunteers, who contribute much to what is achieved in the community, can also change. As such, it will be necessary to periodically review any timeframes.
Endorsement
The Underbool and District Community Plan 2014 - 2019 was presented to the Mildura Rural City Council Forum on Wednesday 5 November 2014, by Fran Lynch.
Mildura Rural City Council endorsed this plan at the Council meeting held Thursday 11 December 2014.
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The role of the Underbool Progress Group Inc., as the facilitating group, on implementation of this Plan is:
o To work with other organisations in our community to develop and implement the initiatives contained in this Community Plan.
o When required, form partnerships with other organisations in order to achieve community goals.
o To promote the Community Plan within the Underbool community.
o To provide a report to the community to inform them of continuing actions.
o Address issues of immediate and future concern within the community of Underbool represented in themes outlined in the plan.
Sunset viewed from Underbool Mallee Hwy wayside stop.
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“Underbool Progress Group (UPG) Inc would like to note actions in the plan rely heavily on the support and commitment of the wider Underbool and district community if they are to be achieved within the life of the plan”
Action Plan
This plan summarises the responses of the community under the following themes:
o Community Safety o Community Services o Community Development o Culture and Heritage o Environment o Economic Development o Partnerships
The actions that have been identified as “community priorities’ have been marked with a symbol.
o Priorities will be reviewed periodically.
o All projects listed that have not been identified as priorities for the next two years could still be achievable subject to funding and community support
o It should be remembered that circumstances may change at any time due to funding shortfalls, not enough interest in a particular project, lack of unpaid volunteers to undertake the work involved, or another more urgent issue may arise which takes priority.
o While the UPG Inc, in conjunction with MRCC staff, has endeavoured to create the Community Plan following community consultation, all community groups have responsibility to assist in achieving the goals in this Community Plan.
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Goals
To be a community well prepared for Community emergencies.
Safety To be a community where people feel safe.
To be a community where people are safe. Continue to develop a safe community.
Strategies
o Identify, eliminate, reduce hazards o Be proactive in prevention o Reduce risks o Maintained roads and footpaths
Actions
o Develop a community safety plan o Investigate for the installation of flashing lights and reduced speed signs in School/Kinder zones o Install adequate fencing in park areas o Remove or repair derelict or dangerous structures, buildings and trees o Additional street lighting in parks and recreational areas o Revise dust problem created from dirt roads and areas in summer o Lobby for well maintained roads and footpaths
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Goals
Community Services and activities are provided and accessible to all residents. Services Maintain high levels of community health and well-being, using local facilities and the Maintain and improve services. MTH&CS.
Ensure that all age groups have opportunities to access quality services.
Strategies
o Link with Federal, State, Local
Government, other organisations and local groups/businesses o Maintain and improve health and
welfare services
oKeep existing facilities viable, and support new services o To have access to health and welfare services
o Road and transport services to meet community needs Actions
o Prepare an information package for new residents to encourage participation o Ensure that all age groups have opportunities to access quality services o Liaise with Mallee Track Health & Community Services to enhance community well-being o Canvas possibility of increased childcare hours o Maintain and increase access to and utilization of health and welfare services o Promote and utilize Community Link transport service o Support Underbool Primary School in bus upgrade for community use o Advocate for improved services where appropriate o Support improvements to passenger and freight rural rail network
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Goals
Community All residents feel part of the community and participate in community services and Development activities.
Services and activities are provided and
Encourage connecting and accessible to all residents. participating in community, working together to source funding, resources Residents have access to educational and and learning opportunities. social opportunities.
Access to a diverse range of quality sporting and recreational facilities, programs and opportunities for all ages. Strategies
o Support opportunities in education o Community access to information (communication) o Community Connectedness opportunities and activities o Support opportunities in educational, social and recreational activities
Actions
o Strive to make Underbool Press, town website/ social media and town noticeboard available to all residents o Encourage all residents to be involved in community events, activities and committees o Endeavour to provide educational opportunities with SuniTAFE o Support and advise other community groups organizing events to ensure success and accessibility o Investigate funding opportunities for business and educational workshops for a variety of age groups o Endeavour to provide and support local non-sporting activities for youth o Review lighting at all venues to allow for night time activities o Source funding for solar energy to reduce ongoing maintenance at all facilities o Maintain opportunities to play a wide variety of sports and to participate in recreational activities
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o Provide support to local sport and recreational clubs and groups where possible o Investigate opportunities to develop sporting and recreational activities- I.e walking track, scooter and skate park o Increase service at venues i.e canteen at pool, gym fitness equipment at recreation group, slide or water feature at pool o Source grants and funding to develop recreational facilities o Source funding for play equipment and fencing for wayside stop o Lobby MRCC for toilets in Outen Park o Encourage local residents to support the development of the Ouyen Lake Project
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Goals
Access to a diverse range of arts and Culture & Heritage cultural experiences and opportunities.
A community that values its history and A community that explores the Arts and diverse cultural heritage. values its cultural heritage
Strategies
o Support access to a diverse range of quality library materials, services and programs.
o Link with other arts and cultural bodies to enhance community experiences.
Actions
o Actively encourage MRCC to continue delivering the Mobile Library Service to
Underbool on a weekly basis. o Liaise with Mildura Arts Centre and other relevant organisations to encourage cultural activities to be held along the Mallee Track o Investigate opportunities for cultural activities at Underbool, such as live music, drama, and dance, at community events
o Encourage local artists to display their work at community events o Enhance and develop the display of historical, cultural and visitor information o Support and publicise events and activities along the Mallee Track
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Goals
A community which practices effective and Environment sustainable waste management.
Conserve natural resources. Managed sustainable local environment. A community that is educated and aware of
environmental issues.
Have well maintained, clean, safe, attractive
and sustainable parks, gardens, streetscapes, reserves and wetlands.
Safe, sustainable and healthy rural environments.
Strategies
o Effective waste management o Link with Federal, State, Local Government, other organisations and local groups/businesses o Ongoing beautification o Maintain and improve local infrastructure o Improve town appearance through building maintenance o A well-developed long-term land use vision
Outen Park in 2011
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Actions
o Work with MRCC, State Government and Federal Government to maintain existing built and natural environment including roads, drainage and lighting, as well as public buildings and amenities. For example: o More time to be allocated by MRCC by maintenance of parks and gardens o Support MRCC with beautification and upkeep of streets and removal of derelict buildings o Upgrade and improve wayside stop including fenced play equipment, walking path to library, and improved toilet facilities o Better signage for camping area, parks and recreation area as well as further development and improving these areas o Work with MRCC to improve maintenance and facilities at wayside stop o Maintain and extend tip opening hours and alternative funding for management options o Upgrade and improve Outen Park through the installation of toilets, secure fencing, shade, increased lighting, overhaul of sound shell, plant mature shade trees and restore entrance gate pillars o Develop safe and adequate walking track o MRCC to communicate and work more closely with committees and groups developing and improving areas o Local farmers and committees to continue to advise MRCC on road improvement o Encourage community members to dispose of waste matter at Underbool Waste Facility o Liaise with the Mallee Land Care Group on matters of mutual interest o Encourage and support educational programs which focus on environmental sustainability, including the use of solar power and recycling of water and waste material o Promote and participate in community clean up days – i.e. Clean Up Australia Campaign
Clean up Australia Workin g Bee
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Goals
Economic Investment attraction and job creation.
Connectivity in the global marketplace. Development Accessible information, internet and telecommunications. A vibrant, diverse and progressive community. Promote Underbool and district as a tourist destination.
Strategies
o Support quality events and promote the area as a tourist destination o Advocate for the needs of residents and tourists o Encouraging small business development in our town and district
Actions
o Encourage the community to purchase goods and services locally where possible o Encourage improved communication with local carriers regarding deliveries o Advocate for improved telecommunication services for the district including improved internet services o Investigate the possibility of an ATM in the town o Promote viability and development of local businesses o Consult with community to gauge level of support for a community event
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Goals
Increased community understanding of the Partnerships various roles of Local Government, State
Government and Federal Government. Proactively respond to the interests of To use all methods of communication to keep our community. residents and visitors adequately informed.
To be responsive to community input and feedback.
Strategies
o Link with Federal, State, Local Government, other organisations and local groups/businesses o Manage community funds in a responsible manner where applicable and appropriate o Advocate the interests of our community to Local, State and Federal Governments, to other authorities, companies and organisations, as appropriate
Actions
o In partnership with a range of community groups, organisations and individuals, implement the Community Plan o Liaise with other community groups for the benefit of the community o Disseminate information to the community using all resources available including funding opportunities for community projects o Develop and maintain community based communication options. For Example: o Use the Underbool Press, community notice board and community website to showcase our town and surrounding district o Enlarge the community noticeboard for sufficient space to advertise events and tourism pamphlets o Advertise the community website on signage at both entrances to town
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o Develop relationships with MRCC. For Example: o Invite Councillors, CEO and General Managers to visit Underbool for information sessions/events or “road show” o Encourage residents and visitors to use the MRCC Ouyen Service Centre and Mobile Library to obtain local government services and information o Assist members of the community, who have an issue with the provision of services, to raise that issue with the appropriate government department or authority o Liaise with MRCC representatives to gather information and source opportunities
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Appendix1
References
www.underbool.vic.au
Embracing Our Mallee Heritage: A Centenary Celebration of Underbool & District 1911- 2011
Australian Bureau Of Statistics 2011 Census Community Profiles www.abs.gov.au/census
The following references are available on the Mildura Rural City Council website at www.mildura.vic.gov.au
Mildura Rural City Council Community Plan Support Fund 2013/14 Guidelines
o Community Plan Funding Support is available to help communities implement the projects that have been identified in their community Plans
Mildura Rural City Council, Council Plan 2013-2017. Mildura Rural City Council, Customer Satisfaction Survey. Mildura Social Indicators Report 2008. La Trobe University.
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